Switch for control of low voltage circuits



March 21, 1939. w KRIEGER 2,151,037

SWITCH FOR CONTROL OF LOW VOLTAGE CIRCUITS Filed March 18,- 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet l W W 9 99 79 9/2 99 9 99 76 k s I 69 23 f l 9 WM zob8 65 2, 2,4 I00 I 4 54 5s 9 s2 45 l 4 9 ss- 73 10s R8 99 79 10? 9a 99. 99'\ 78 f 9! a4- 85 8D 8 lgg 57 a9 22 9 8&5 Z0 73 100/04 March 21, 1939. w KRIEGERI v I 2,151,037

SWITCH FOR CONTROL OF LOW VOLTAGE CIRCUITS Filed March 18, 1937 :5 Sheets-Sheet 2 zo- 56 0 Q I ax March 21, 1939. A. w. KRIEGER SWITCH FORVCONTROL LOW VOLTAGE CIRCUITS Filed March 18, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 H4 M3 H3 m m m m 3w 2.2. iii w r/// a 8 5 7 ,0 0 n 1 1. m u m 8 M x a m K. m m I. m w m saw w m m m Patented -"i UNlTEh STATES PATENT OFFICE SWITCH FOR CONTROL OF LOW VOLTAGE CIRCUITS Alvin W. Krieger, Milwaukee, Wis., assig'nor to antler-Hammer, 1110., Milwaukee, Wia, a corporation of Delaware Application March 38-,

lit Claims.

and the appearance of switches of the aiorementioned character.

Another object is to provide a novel arrangement of parts for efiecting illumination of the indicating elements of the device under given conditions.

Another object is to provide novel forms of mounting means for use with a switching device of the aforementioned character.

Another and more specific object is to provide a novel form of combined switch, rheostat and indicating light afiording proper speed control of low voltage driving motors.

Another object is to provide an improved form and arrangement of the wiring terminal elements of such a device.

Another object is to providenovel means for supporting and ventilating the resistance element of the device.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent or will be pointed out in the course of the following description,

The accompanying drawings illustrate certain embodiments of the invention which will now be described,-it being understood that the embodiments illustrated are susceptible of modification in respect of certain details of construction thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Figures 1 and 2 are slightly enlarged front elevational and top plan views of a multiple-speed control switch and indicating light device as constructed in accordance with my invention,- certain of the supporting elements of the device being omitted from these figures.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged top planview, similar to Fig 2,-but with the insulating cover member and the metal member removed for purposes of illustration.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view, on the line 3 4 of Fig. 3. 4

Fig, 5 is a vertical sectional view, on the line 5 5.'of Fig. 3.

' Fig 6 is a side elevational view of the device showing one manner of attaching the same for 1937, Serial No. 131,733

support by the flange of an automobile dashboard or the like, which is shown in section.

Fig. l is a vertical sectional view, on the line 'l-l of Fig. 3,--the electric lamp being omitted for clarity of illustration.

Fig. 8 is a bottom plan viewof the insulating base, with certain parts shown in position and other parts shown in Perspective and separated relation.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the insulating base only,-showing the formation thereof to accommodate the parts as shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view illustrating sulating cover member and the metal member are of modified form to provide for clamping of the complete device to a dashboard flange as by means of the wing nuts shown.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view, in separated relation, of certain parts of a further modified form of clamping support, and

Fig. i4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of a device having parts like those shown in Fig. 13, when clamped in position upon a dasl'iboa'r flange,

Referring first to Figs. 1 to 9, inclusive, the numeral 26 designates a base molded from a suitable insulating material, such as the phenolformaldehyde condensation product sold under the trade name of bakelite. Base 2c is provided with a recess opening to the upper surface thereof,-said recess extending throughout the major portion of the area of said base, and the same being provided with portions of difierent depths, as best illustrated at 2%], 22 and 23 in Figs. 4, 5 and 9. The bottom wall of recess portion 25 is provided with downwardly ofiset ledge portions 2t and 25 (Figs. 5 and 9) which are adapted to accommodate the inner end portion 26 of a ter= minal member. Said terminal member has a vertical portion El and a horizontal portion 28 which extends beyond the rear end of base 20, in the plane of the bottom wall of recess portion 23 (Fig. 5) ,to provide for access to the wiring terminal screw 29 from above when the parts are in assembled position, as best illustrated in Fig. 2. The bottom wall of recess portion 23'is preferably provided with a pair of relatively large openings 30 and 3| to afford proper ventilation or cooling of the resistance wire helix 32 which is inserted into the recess 33 which opens to the lower surface of base 28 (see Fig. 8).

Adapted to overlie the inner end portion 26 of said terminal member is a member 34 formed of resilient metal, such as phosphor bronze, which is secured to portion 25 as by means of an eyelet 35, the inner end or flange of which is accommodated within a sub-recess 36 (Fig. Member 34 is provided with an integral upward extension 3'! which is formedto facilitate insertion between the same and portion 21 of said terminal member of the screw shell contact 38 of an electric lamp, the bulb of which is shown at 39 (Fig. 3). Mem ber 34 is secured to the bottom wall of recess portion 2|, as by upsetting thereover the hollow shank of a rivet, as best illustrated at 40 in Figs. 4 and 7. Said rivet is provided with a shoulder 4| which is clamped, by the upsetting operation, against the lower surface of base 20. Said rivet is provided with a shoulder 42 against which the downwardly bowed intermediate portion of a contactor 43 is adapted to bear (Figs. 4 and 7); and said rivet is further provided with a shoulder or head portion 44 which is adapted to underlie and retain in pivotal relation to the lower surface of base 28 the lever 45 which is employed to actuate the contactor 43.

Lever 45 is preferably molded to the form shown from insulating material like that employed in forming base 20. Figs. 4 and 8, lever 45 is provided with a recess 46 which accommodates the contactor 43 which is bowed downwardly (Fig. 4) whereby the intermediate portion thereof engages shoulder 42 and the convex end portions 41 and 48 thereof are biased upwardly toward or against the lower surface of base 20. The inner surface of lever 45 is further provided with a depression or recess 49 of arcuate form, and within the contour of recess 49 are four relatively small equally spaced recesses 50, 5|, 52 and 53.

The bottom wall of the recess portion 21 (Fig. '7) is provided with a circular opening 54 with which the recesses 50 to 53 are respectively adapted to aline in different rotary positions of lever 45. Located within opening 54, and having a diameter greater than the depth of said opening, is a metal ball 55. One'end of metal member 34 is adapted to overlie said opening 54, and said end is preferably provided with a boss 55 to engage ball 55 and bias the same toward lever 45. Upon rotary or pivotal movement of lever 45 from each of its four predetermined positions to another thereof the ball 55 is forced upwardly in opening 54 against the bias of the aforementioned end 55 of member 34, and upon alinement 0f the next succeeding recess in lever 45 with opening 54 the ball 55 snaps into engagement with the circular wall of such recess to releasably retain the lever in the position to which it has thus been moved.

Lever 45 is provided at the forward end thereof with an integral extension 51 which is arranged to overlap the arcuate portion 58 of the forward end wall of base 28. Said arcuate portion 58 preferably has formed upon the vertical surface thereof four grooves 59, 50, BI and 62 which are spaced equal angular distances with respect to each other and with respect to the center of rotation of lever 45. Said grooves represent points of rotary adjustment in which lever 45 may be positively positioned through the medium As best illustrated in of the ball 55 aforedescribed. Extension 51 of lever 45 preferably has formed thereon (in raised outline) an arrow 63 for cooperation with the aforementioned grooves to indicate when lever 45, and the contactor 43 actuated thereby, is in one of the four positions predetermined therefor.

The upper surface of arcuate portion 58 is also preferably provided with the legends Off, Hi and Lo positioned adjacent to the grooves 59, 60 and 62, respectively,it being obvious that with the lever 45 in the rotary position thereof illustrated in Fig. 3 intermediate" speed of the motor controlled by the device will be provided. In practice the aforementioned legends, as well as the arrow between the legends Hi and Lo are depressed with respect to the surface of arcuate portion 58, and thereafter such depressions are filled with paint or enamel of a color contrasting with the color of the insulating material of which base 20 is formed,thereby increasing the visibility or legibility of the indicia.

The other wiring terminal of the device comprises an inner end portion 64 (Fig. 3) which is seated upon the bottom wall of the aforementioned recess portion 22, and is secured thereto as by upsetting thereover the hollow end of a rivet, as indicated at 65. The head 65 of said rivet is positioned upon a ledge 68 offset inwardly from the lower surface of base 20,-a resilient metal member 61 having one end thereof clamped in position by said rivet head 65, the other end of said metal member engaging at least one coil of the resistance wire helix 32 to assist in retaining the latter in position within recess 33 and to provide an electrical connection between one end portion of said helix and the terminal B4. Terminal 64 is provided with a vertical portion 68 and a horizontal portion 59 which extends beyond the rear end of base 20, to accommodate, in an accessible position, the binding screw 10,

The rivet head 65"- likewise serves as a stationary contact to be engaged by the end 48 of contactor 43 in one rotary position of lever 45. The hollow ends of rivets H and 12 are upset over the bottom wall of recess portion 22 (Fig. 3) and the heads 1 I, i2 thereof serve as additional stationary contacts to be sequentially engaged by end portion 48 of contactor 43. One end of a resilient metal member 13 is clamped in position by rivet head ll,the other end of said member overlying and engaging at least one coil of helix 32 to further assist in retaining the latter in position and to provide an electrical connection between an intermediate or mid-point of the latter and the rivet head H. In like manner the rivet head l2 clampingly engages one end of a resilient metal member 14, the other end of the latter engaging at least one coil at the opposite end of helix 32 to assist in retaining the latter within recess 33, and to provide an electrical connection between the same and said rivet head.

Upon movement of lever 45 to the left-hand extreme position (Fig. 3) wherein the arrow 63 is alined with groove 59, the end 48 of contactor 43 is engaged with a ledge 15 which is offset inwardly from the lower surface of base 20. This is the off position of the switch mechanism. Upon movement of lever 45 toward the right (Fig. 3) to bring arrow 53 into alinement with groove 50 the end 48 of contactor 43 will be engaged with rivet head 55. This provides for high speed operation of the controlled fan driv ing motor or the like. Thus it may be assumed that one terminal of the battery or other source of low voltage current supply (not shown) is connected to ground,--the other terminal of such battery being connected to terminal 69, as by means of binding screw 10. The circuit then extends from the portion 64 of said terminal through rivet 65 and the head 65* thereof (see Fig. 8) to the end 48 of contactor 43 through one arm of the latter to shoulder 42 of the pivot post for lever 45, through the shank of said pivot post to metal member 34 (Fig. 4), and from the latter to and through the inner end portion 26 (Fig. 5) of the other terminal member,-one terminal of the controlled motor being connected to the other end 28 of the last mentioned terminal member, as by means of binding screw 29,it being understood that the other terminal of the motor will be connected to ground.

It will be understood that under the conditions just described none of the resistance of the helix 32 is included in the controlled circuit. However, upon movement of lever 45 toward the right to the position thereof shown in Fig. 3 the end 48 of the contactor will be engaged with rivet head ll (Fig. 8) to effect inclusion in the controlled circuit of that portion of the resistance of helix 32 which is located between the metal members 33 and B1. In like manner upon movement of lever 45 to its extreme right-hand position (Fig. 3) the end 48 of the contactor will be engaged with rivet head E2 (Fig. 8) with consequent inclusion in the controlled motor circuit of all of the resistance of helix 32 which is located between the metal members 74 and 6'I,for low speed operation of the fan driving motor. The front end wall of base 20 (Fig. 3) is preferably provided with vertical ribs .or projections 55 and 55 for engagement by the projecting portion or handle 57 of lever 45 to positively limit the degrees of rotation of said lever inlopposite direca,

It is to be understood that in all posi-,

tions. tions of contactor $3 the end @1 thereof (Figs.

4 and 8) will be engaged with the flat lower surface of base 29 to assist in tensioning' said contactor.

The arrangement is also such that a circuit is completed for effecting illumination of lamp 39 when lever 45 is in either of its high speed, intermediate speed, or low speed positions. This result is obtained by providing means for grounding the center lamp socket contact ll,-the screw shell socket contact 31 being electrically connected with the wiring terminal 28 which. is connected. with the controlled motor, as aforedescribed. Inasmuch as I prefer to provide a molded insulating cover memberl8 for base 20, I effect grounding of center lamp socket contact ll by electrically and mechanically connecting the same with the metal member 19 (Fig. '7) as by welding, brazing or soldering the flat end portion 89 of the former to the latter. Insulating cover member 19 is provided with an opening 8% to provide for insertion of contact TI therethrough into the portion 2| of the base recess.

Base 20 is provided in its upper surface (Fig. 3) with tapped recesses 8| and 82, and insulating cover member 18 and metal member 79 are provided with openings registering with said recesses, to provide for threading of the screws or bolts 83 and 84 (Fig. 2) into saidrecesses, whereby the base 2|], cover member 18 and metal member 19 are retained in assembled relation. Cover member '78 is provided at its rear end with a downwardly projecting rib 85,-the opposite ends. of which-respectively fit into notches 86 and 81 end wall of base 20 does not extend tot'he upper surface of the latter, as indicated at 88 in Figs. 3 to 6; whereas the cover member 18 is formed, as shown at 89 in Figs. 4 to 6, to overlap the forward end of base 20. The forward end of cover member 18 is formed to provide a hood or cowl 9ll,-the recess 9| in the latter (Figs. 4 and 5) providing for indirect lighting of the exterior surface of the forward end wall of base 20; and particularly the portion 58 thereof containing the indicating legends aforementioned.

The parts are arranged and formed as best illustrated in Fig. 1 to provide a neat and attractive appearance of the surfaces which are exposed when the complete device is mounted to a dashboard flange. One manner of mounting the device is illustrated in Fig. 6. Thus as shown the metal member :19 is clamped against the lower surface of said flange. Member '59 may, if desired, have the four corners thereof bent upwardly to provide teeth 99 which bite into the lower surface of flange 98 to afford a good mechanical and electrical connection between these parts.

As/shown in Figs. 3 to 5 and 8 the recess 39 in the lower surface of base 2|] may have positioned therein a member Hill of inverted channelshape formed of a suitable heat-resisting insulating material. The upper end portion of member We is provided with openings fill and H12 (Figs. 3 and 5) of a size substantially corresponding to the aforementioned openings 30 and 3! in the bottom wall of recess portion 23 to minimize the obstruction to upward flow of cooling air through the coils of helix 32 when the latter is in heated condition.

As best illustrated in Figs. 4, '5 and 8 the ledge 56 is provided with a pair of bosses I03 and M4 to assist in restraining the metal members 61 and d4 against rotary displacement,--member J3 (Fig. 8) being similarly restrained by post After wiring of the device, the same may be readily and quickly positioned and secured at the desired point upon the dashboard flange, in the manner shown in Fig. 6. As will be apparent from the foregoing description, a device so constructed and mounted provides for exposure or visibility of only parts which are formed of insulating material, such parts being so formed as to provide a pleasing and attractive appearance of the device.

In the modified form of supporting means shown in Fig. 10 the insulating cover member 18 has superimposed thereupon a metal member I09 which issubstantially like the metal member 19 aforedescribed. However, member I09 is formed to provide a downwardly opening recess IIO of rectangular contour to receive and prevent rotation of the correspondingly shaped head III of a bolt the threaded shank II2of which is freely insertable upwardly through openings in member I09 and flange 98 for cooperation with a clamping nut II3 of suitable form,a split lock washer Ill being preferably interposed between flange 98 and said nut to restrain the latter from loosening. Also attached to member I09, as by upsetting the reduced end portion I I5 thereof over the lower surface of said member, is a stud I I6 which extends upwardly into an opening provided in flange 98 to positively restrain member I09 against rotary displacement relatively to flange 98. The other elements of the device illustrated in Fig. 10 may be identical with the corresponding parts aforedescribed.

In the device of Fig. 11 the plate 19* may have attached thereto a stud IIG, such as shown in Fig. 10, for cooperation with the walls of an opening in flange 98. A screw or bolt III of ordinary form may have the threaded shank thereof threaded into an opening in member 19 and ex-.

tending upwardly through an opening in flange 98 to receive the clamping nut I I3. Lock washers Ill are respectively interposed between the bolt head I" and member 19 and between nut H3 and flange 98 to prevent accidental turning or loosening of these parts.

In the device of Fig. 12 I substitute for the bolts or screws 83 and 84 of Fig. 2 a pair of specially formed bolts the shanks I I8 and I I9 of which take into the tapped openings 8| and 82 in base 20,- said bolts having flanges H8 and I I9 which engage metal member I9 to retain the latter and base 20 and cover member I8 in assembled relation. Said bolts are provided with enlarged threaded upper ends 8 and II9 which penetrate corresponding openings in flange 98,-a pair of wing nuts H8 and "9 being adapted for cooperation with said upper ends to clamp the device to said flange. Said upper ends of the bolts may be provided with kerfs I I8 and I I9 to facilitate insertion of the shanks I I8 and I I9 into said base recesses.

In the modification shown in Figs. 13 and 14 the insulating cover member I20 is specially provided with a recess I2I in the upper surface thereof of a shape and size to receive with a fairly snug flt the square head I22 of a bolt the threaded shank I28 of which extends upwardly through an opening in metal member 'I9" and in flange 98 for cooperation with a clamping nut II3 of usual form,a lock washer Ill being preferably interposed between said nut and the flange 98. Member 19' has attached thereto a stud II 6 (like that shown in Fig. 11) to cooperate with an opening in flange 98 whereby rotary displacement of metal member 19' with respect to the flange 98 is prevented. With such an arrangement there is no necessity for bending up the corners of metal member 19- to provide the teeth shown at 99 in Figs. 1 and 2.

Although the base 20 and cover member I8 are ordinarily molded from insulating material of like character and color, it may in some instances be desirable to 'make these parts of contrasting more or less translucent. Where a translucent material is employed in the manner just described the lighting eflect provided by the passage afforded by recess 9i may not be necessary.

.What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination, a molded insulating base having a recess formed in the upper surface thereof, a pair of wiring terminal members having portions thereof located within said recess and rigidly secured to the bottom wall of the latter, a resilient contact rigidly attached to one of said terminal members within said recess, said contact being formed to yieldably receive and retain the screw shell contact of an electric lamp, a molded insulating member adapted to cover a portion of said recess and having an opening formed therein, a metal member superimposed upon said insulating member, said metal member having a resilient contact attached thereto which penetrates said opening for yieldable engagement with the center contact of said electric lamp, common means for rigidly but releasably attaching said metal member and said insulating member to said base,.a plurality of stationary contacts rigidly attached to the bottom surface of said base, a molded insulating actuating member pivotally supported upon said bottom surface of said base, a contactor carried by said actuating member for movement by the latter into and out of engagement with the respective stationary contacts, and means for continuously providing an electrical connection between said contactor and the terminal member to which said first mentioned resilient contact is attached.

2. In combination, a molded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, a pair of wiring terminal'members having portions thereof located within said recess and rigidly secured to the bottom wall of the latter, a resilient contact rigidly attached to one of said terminal members within said recess, said contact being formed to yieldably receive and retain the screw shell contact of an electric lamp, a molded insulating member adapted to cover a portion of said recess, said insulating member having an opening formed therein, a resilient contact penetrating said opening and adapted for engagement with the center contact of an electric lamp located within said recess, a metal member to which said last mentioned contact is rigidly attached to provide an electrical connection therebetween, a stationary contact rigidly attached to the bottom surface of said base and electrically and mechanically connected with the other terminal member, two additional stationary contacts secured to the bottom surface of said base, said contacts being arranged in arcuately spaced relation, a recess formed in the bottom surface of said base, a helix formed of resistance wire and located within said last mentioned recess, resilient metal members associated with the respective stationary contacts and adapted to underlie and engage said helix at spaced points on the latter, an insulating actuating member pivotally supported upon said base at the lower surface of the latter, and a contactor carried by said actuator and movable by the latter from an extreme off position into engagement with said stationary contacts in sequence, said contactor being continuously electrically connected with the terminal member to which said first mentioned resilient contact is attached.

3. In combination, a molded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, a pair of wiring ter- 'minal members having portions thereof located within said recess and rigidly secured to the bottom wall of the latter, a resilient contact rigidly attached to one of said terminal members within said recess, said contact being formed to yieldably receive and retain the screw shell contact of an electric lamp, a molded insulating member adapted to cover aportion of said recess, said insulating member having an opening formed therein, a stationary contact rigidly attached to the bottom surface of said base and electrically and mechanically connected with the other terminal member, two additional stationary contacts secured to the bottom surface of said base, a recess formed in the bottom surface of said base, a helix formed of resistance wire and located within said last mentioned recess, resilient metal members associated with the respective stationary contacts and adapted to underlie and engage said helix at spaced points on the latter, an insulating actuating member pivotally supported upon said base at the lower surface of the latter, a contactor carried by said actuator and movable by the latter from an extreme oif position into engagement with said stationary contacts in sequence, one of said terminal members being adapted for connection with a suitable source of low voltage current supply, the other terminal member being adapted for connection to ground through an electrical translating device of suitable form, and clamping means associated with said metal member to provide for electrical connection of the latter to ground and to provide suitable supporting means for the switch.

4. In combination, a molded insulating base having a recess formed in the upper surface thereof, a pair of resilient contacts located within said recess and adapted for cooperative engagement with the center and screw shell contacts of an electric lamp, means including a metal -supporting member for said base to provide for electrical connection of one of said contacts to ground, means including a wiring terminal member having a portion thereof located within said recess to which the other of said contacts is electrically connected, a contactor positioned upon the lower surface of said base and continuously electrically connected with said terminal memher, a molded insulating actuating member pivotally supported at said lower surface of the base, said contactor being interlocked with said actuating member to provide for rotation of the former by the latter, said actuating member having a plurality of arcuately arranged recesses formed therein and said base having a spring biased member for cooperation with the walls of said recesses to yieldably retain said actuating member and said contactor in any one of a number of different positions, said contactor in one extreme position being adapted to interrupt the circuit to be controlled thereby, said base having a plurality of stationary contacts upon said lower surface of the base into engagement with which said contactor may be moved in sequence, the contact first engaged by said contactor upon movement of the latter from said extreme position having a wiring terminal to provide for direct connection thereof to a suitable low voltage current source, and a resistance wire helix, said base having a recess formed in the lower surface thereof to accommodate said helix, said contacts being respectively electrically connected with said helix at spaced points on the latter, whereby upon continued movement of said contactor into engagement with the other contacts sequentially predetermined values of said resistance are included in the controlled circuit.

5.v In combination, a base having an upwardly opening recess, a cover member therefor, and an actuating lever each formed of molded insulating material, a wiring terminal member having a portion thereof located within said recess, a resilient metal member rigidly attached to said portion of theterminal member and having a contact portion adapted for cooperation with the screw shell contact of an electric lamp, a headed rivet the shank of which extends upwardly through said actuating lever, said base and said metal member and is upset over the latter to provide for pivotal support of said lever, said lever having a recess formed in the upper surface thereof, a contactor positioned within said last mentioned recess and having end portions biased outwardly from the latter, the shank of said rivet having a shoulder engaged by the intermediate portion of said contactor to provide a continuous electrical connection between the latter and said terminal member, the bottom wall of said base recess having an opening formed therein, a ball located within said opening, said resilient metal member having a portion thereof overlying said opening and engaging said ball to bias the same against said actuating lever, said lever having a plurality of arcuately arranged relatively shallow recesses formed therein to accommodate said ball and to thereby indicate to the touch the respective on and off positions of said contactor, said base having a plurality of stationary contacts upon the lower surface thereof, said contactor being movable by said lever to disengage all of said stationary contacts or to engage the same in sequence, and a second wiring terminal member electrically connected with one of said stationary contacts to provide for substantially direct connection of said contactor with a suitable source of current supply. I

6. In combination, a molded insulating base having an upwardly opening recess formed therein, center and screw shell lamp socket contacts positioned within said recess for cooperation with the center and screw shell contacts of an electric lamp, a molded insulating cover member superimposed upon said base, said cover memher being formed to provide for indirect illumination by said electric lamp of the exterior surface of the forward end wall of said base, a pair of wiring terminal members having portions thereof attached to said base within said recess and having wire attaching portions thereof exposed exteriorly of said base, one of said lampsocket contacts being electrically connected with one of said terminal members, a stationary contact positioned upon the lower surface of said base and electrically connected with the other terminal member, a contactor positioned upon the lower surface of said base and electrically connected with said first mentioned terminal member, an insulating actuating member pivotally supported upon the lower surface of said base and having an interlocking connection with said contactor to provide for movement of the latter into and out of engagement with saidstationary contact upon pivotal movement of said actuating member, and said actuating member having an integral portion thereof adaptedfor cooperation with the forward end wall of said base to visually indicate the respective on or off positions of the switch.

7. In combination, a molded insulating base having an upwardly opening recess formed therein, center and screw shell lamp socket contacts positioned within said recess for cooperation with the center and screw shell contacts of an electric lamp, a molded insulating cover member superimposed upon said base, said cover member being formed to provide for indirect illumination by said electric lamp of the exterior surface of the forward end wall of said base, a pair of wiring terminal members having portions thereof within said recess and having wire attaching portions thereof exposed exteriorly of said base, said screw shell lamp socket contact being permanently electrically connected with one of said terminal members, a stationary contact positioned upon the lower surface of said base and permanently electrically connected with the other terminal member, a ccntactor positioned upon the lower surface of said base and continuously electrically connected with said first mentioned terminal member, an insulating actuating member pivotally supported upon the lower surface of said base and adapted to effect movement of the ccntactor into and out. of engagement with said stationary contact, said actuating member having an integral portion thereof adapted for cooperation with the forward end wall of said base to visually indicate the respective on or off positions of the switch, a metal member superimposed upon said cover member, said metal member having an electrical connection with the aforementioned center lamp socket contact to provide for grounding of the latter, associated means for rigidly connecting said metal member, said cover memher and said base in assembled relation, and associated clamping means for electrically and mechanically connecting said metal member to the metal flange of an automobile dashboard or the like.

8. In combination, a molded insulating base having an upwardly opening recess formed therein, center and screw shell lamp socket contacts positioned within said recess, a molded insulating cover member superimposed upon said base, a pair of wiring terminal members having portions thereof within said recess and having wire attaching portions thereof exposed exteriorly of said base, said screw shell lamp socket contact being permanently electrically connected with one of said terminal members. a stationary contact positioned upon the lower surface of said base and permanently electrically connected with the other terminal member, a ccntactor positioned upon the lower surface of said base and continuously electrically connected with said first mentioned terminal member, an insulating actuating member pivotally supported uponthe lower surface of said base and having an inter-' locking connection with said ccntactor to provide for movement pf the latter into and out of engagement with said stationary contact, said actuating member having an integral portion thereof adapted for cooperation with the forward end wall of said base to visually indicate the respective on or of! positions of the switch, a metal member superimposed upon said cover member, said metal member having an electrical connection with the aforementioned center lamp socket contact to provide for grounding of the latter, associated means for rigidly connecting said meta1 member, said cover member and said base in assembled relation, and associated means for electrically and mechanically connecting said metal member to the metal flange of an automobile dashboard or the like, said last mentioned means comprising a screw threaded bolt and an element cooperating with said bolt to clamp said metal member in position.

9. In combination, a molded insulating base having an upwardly opening recess formed therein, center and screw shell lamp socket contacts positioned within said recess, a molded insulating cover member superimposed upon said base, said cover member being formed to provide for indirect illumination by said electric lamp of the exterior surface of the forward end wall of said base, a pair of wiring terminal members having portions thereof within said recess and havin wire attaching portions thereof exposed exteriorly of said base, one of said lamp socket contacts being permanently electrically connected withone of said terminal members, a stationary contact positioned upon the lower surface of said base and permanently electrically connected'with the other terminal member, a contactor positioned upon the lower surface of said base and continuously electrically connected with said first mentioned terminal member, an insulating actuating member pivotally supported upon the lower surface of said base and having an interlocking connection with said ccntactor to provide for movement of the latter into and out of engagement with said stationary contact, a plurality of additional stationary contacts positioned upon the lower surface of said base, said stationary contacts being arcuately arranged in spaced relationship to each other, said base having a downwardly opening recess formed therein, a resistance wire helix insertable into said last mentioned recess, said stationary contacts being respectively electrically connected with said helix at spaced points on the latter, for the purpose set forth, and said actuating member having a portion thereof overlapping and cooperating with the forward end wall of said base to visually indicate the on or oil position of the switch and the relative value of resistance included in the cir-' cuit controlled thereby.

10. In combination, a molded insulating base having an upwardly opening recess formed therein, center and screw shelllamp socket contacts positioned within said recess, a molded insulating cover member superimposed upon said base, said cover member being formed to provide for indirect illumination by said-electric lamp of the ,exterior surface of the forward end wall of said base, wiring terminal members having portions thereof within said recess and having wire attaching portions thereof exposed exteriorly of said base, one of said lamp socket contacts being permanently electrically connected with one of said terminal members, a stationary contact positioned upon the lower surface of said base and permanently electrically connected with the other terminal member, a ccntactor positioned upon the lower surface of said base and continuously electrically connected with said first mentioned terminal member, an insulating actuating member pivotally supported upon the lower surface, of said base and adapted to provide for movement of the ccntactor into and out of engagement with said stationary contact, a plurality of additional stationary contacts positioned upon the lower surface of said base, said base having a downwardly opening recess formed therein, a resistance wire helix insertableinto said last mentioned recess, the upper end wall of said last mentioned recess having a plurality of relatively large openings formed therein to provide for substantially free circulation of air through said helix, said stationary contacts being respectively electrically connected with said helix at spaced points on the latter, and said actuating member having a portion thereof overlapping and cooperating with the forward end wall of said base to visually indicate the on or off position of the switch and the relative value of resistance included in the circuit controlled thereby;

11. The combination with a molded insulating base having an upwardly opening recess formed therein to accommodate an electric lamp, center and screw shell lamp socket contacts located within said recess for cooperation with the contacts of a lamp, a molded insulating cover member superimposed upon said base and adapted to overlie said recess, said cover member being formed to provide for indirect passage of light from said lamp to an exterior portion of the forward end wall of said base, a plurality of stationary contacts positioned upon the lower surface of said base, a molded insulating actuating member pivotally supported at the lower surface of said base, said actuating member being adapted to underlie said stationary contacts whereby the latter are concealed, said actuating member having a recess facing said lower surface of said base, a contactor located within said last mentioned recess and movable by said actuator into and out of engagement with the respective stationary contacts in sequence, a metal member superimposed upon said cover member in inwardly offset relation to the forward end of the latter, and clamping means associated with said metal member to provide for attachment of the device to the bottom flange of an automobile dashboard or the like, the arrangement being such that only insulating parts of the device are visible to the user under normal conditions.

12. In combination, a molded insulating base, a switch mechanism carried thereby, said mechanism including an insulating actuating lever pivotally supported by said base at the lower surface thereof for movement in a plane parallel to the latter, said lever having an integral extension overlapping a portion of the front end wall of said base and cooperating with suitable legends onthe latter to indicate the relative positions of the switch parts, a molded insulating member positioned upon the'upper surface of said base, said insulating member having a recess formed therein and opening-to the upper surface thereof, a metal member superimposed upon the upper surface of said insulating member and adapted to overlie said recess, common means f6r connecting said metal member, said insulating member and said base to each other, said metal mem-' ber being adapted to underlie the bottom flange of an automobile dashboard or the like, means comprising a metal attaching member having a portion thereof located within said recess and another portion thereof extending above the upper surface of said flange, and a screw-threaded member positioned above said flange and cooperating with said last mentioned portion of said metal attaching member for clamping said first mentioned metal member to said flange.

13. In combination, a molded insulating base,

a switch mechanism carried thereby, said mechanism including an insulating actuating lever pivotally supported by said base at the lower surface thereof for movement in a plane parallel to 'the'latter, said lever having an integral extension overlapping a portion of the front end wall of said base and cooperating with suitable legends on the latter to indicate the relative positions of the switch parts, said front end wall and said extension being cooperatively formed to limit the movements of said lever in opposite directions respectively, a molded insulating member posi tioned upon the upper surface of said base, said insulating member having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, a metal member superimposed upon the upper surface of said insulating member and adapted to overlie said recess, common means for connecting said'metal member, said insulating member and said base to each other, said metal member being adapted to underlie the bottom flange of an automobile dashboard or the like, means comprising a metal attaching member having a portion thereof located within said recess and another portion thereof extending above the upper surface of said flange, and a screw-threaded member positioned above said flange and cooperating with said last mentioned portion of said metal attaching member for clamping said first mentioned metal member to said flange.

14. In combination, a molded insulating base, a switch mechanism carried thereby, said mechanism including an insulating actuating lever piv otally supported by said base at the lower sin face thereof for movement in a plane parallel to the latter, said lever having an integral, errtension overlapping a portion of the front end wall of said base and cooperating with suitable legends on the latter to indicate the relative positions of the switch parts, a molded insulating member positioned upon the upper surface of said base, said insulating member having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, a metal member superimposed upon the upper surface of said insulating member and adapted to overlie said recess, common means for connecting said metal member, said insulating member and said base to each other, said metal member being adapted to underlie the bottom flange of an automobile dashboard or the like, means comprising a metal attaching member having a portion thereof located within said recess and another portion thereof extending above the upper surface of said flange, a screwthreaded member positioned above said flange and cooperating with said last mentioned portion of said metal attaching member for clamping said first mentioned metal member to said flange, said flange having an opening formed therein and said first mentioned metal member having a stud of corresponding size projecting upwardly through said opening, whereby said first mentioned metal member is positively restrainedthreaded shank extending upwardly from said recess, a metal member superimposed upon said cover member and having an opening to freely accommodate said shank, a support comprising a flange which overlies said metal member, said flange also having an opening to freely accommodate said shank, and a nut cooperating with said shank and movable into clamping engag ment with the upper surface of said flange, whereby said metal member is clamped in position against the lower surface of said flange.

16. In combination, a molded insulating cover member having a recess of non-circular contour formed in the upper surface thereof, a fastening member having a head of substantially corresponding contour seated within said recess and restrained by the walls of the latter against relative rotation, said fastening member having a threaded shank extending upwardly from said recess, a metal member superimposed upon said cover member and having an opening to freely accommodate said shank, a support comprising a flange which overlies said metal member, said flange also having an opening to freely accommodate said shank, a nut cooperating with said shank and movable into clamping engagement with the upper surface of said flange, whereby said metal member is clamped in position against the lower surface of said flange, means interposed between the upper surface of said flange and said nut to releasably restrain the latter against rotary displacement, said metal member having a stud attached thereto and extending upwardly therefrom, and said flange having an opening of corresponding size to accommodate said stud, whereby rotary displacement of said metal member relatively to said flange is positively prevented.

1'7. In combination, an insulating base, a pair of wiring terminal members carried by said base, a pair of resilient lamp socket contacts. one of which is electrically connected with one of said wiring terminal members, a molded insulating member adapted to cover at least a portion of said base, a metal member superimposed upon said insulating member, common means for rigidly and releasably attaching said metal member and said insulating member to said base, a resistance element supported by said base, a plurality of stationary switch contacts on said base, means providing electrical connections between said switch contacts and said resistance element at spaced points on the latter, and a contactor movable into and out of engagement with saidswitch contacts selectively to effect completion'and interruption of a circuit for a suitable energy translating device and to effect inclusion of said resistance in or exclusion thereof from said circuit.

18. In combination, a molded insulating base having a recess formed in the upper surface thereof, a pair of wiring terminal members having portions thereof located within said recess and rigidly secured to the bottom wall of the latter, a resilient contact rigidly attached to one of said terminal members within said recess, said contact being formed to yieldably receive and retain the screw shell contact of an electric lamp, a molded insulating member adapted to cover a portion of said recess and having an opening formed therein, a metal member superimposed upon said insulating member, said metal member having a resilient contact attached thereto which penetrates said opening for yieldable engagement with the center contact of said electric lamp, and common means for rigidly but releasably attaching said metal member and said insulating member to said base.

19. In combination, a molded insulating base having a recess formed in the upper surface thereof, a pair of resilient contacts located within said recess and adapted for cooperative engagement with the center and screw-shell contacts of an electric lamp, means including a metal supporting member for said base to provide for electrical connection of one of said contacts to ground, means including a wiring terminal member having a portion thereof located within said recess to which the other of said contacts is electrically connected, said terminal member being adapted for connection with a translating device of suitable form, a contactor positioned upon the lower surface of said base and continuously electrically connected with said terminal member, an actuating member pivotally supported at said lower surface of the base, said contactor being interlocked with said actuating member to provide for rotation of the former by the latter, said actuating member having a plurality of arcuately arranged recesses formed therein and said base having a spring biased member for cooperation with the walls of said recesses to yieldably retain said actuating member and said contactor in any one of a number of different positions, said contactor in one extreme position being adapted to interrupt the circuit to be controlled thereby, and said base having a plurality of stationary contacts arranged in arcuate formation upon said lower surface of the base into engagement with which said contactor may be moved in sequence.

ALVIN W. KRIEGER.

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